OCS quick links

OCS quick links

Instant Messenger Counselling Service via Skype and WhatsApp Text

Instant Messenger Counselling ServiceInstant Messenger Counselling, also known as Instant Chat Counselling and IM Therapy, allows the client and counsellor to interact, back and forth, via text messages. Sessions take place in 'real-time' on the internet using reliable encrypted platforms like Skype and WhatsApp. For clients who do not use apps or have limited data, regular SMS phone texting can be used. Communicating with a caring and compassionate Online Therapist, via IM, can be a tremendous support system during difficult times.

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How can Instant Messenger Counselling help

Instant Messenger Counselling is an excellent resource for swift feedback which can be very comforting for those in need. Being able to let your feelings out and offload your worries can be helpful. With the opportunity to re-read your text messages at a later time, you can gain a clearer understanding of your thoughts and actions. You can also monitor your progress. This can help you to implement changes where necessary and create a better quality of life. IM Therapy allows you to cover a wide range of topics. Click to view the issues that we cover.

Clients may not always have the time to attend face to face therapy. Chatting with our qualified and experienced Online Counsellors via Instant Messenger is flexible. Most clients have apps like Skype and WhatsApp on their mobile phone. You can text in the park, while on the bus or in a cab, during a break at work, in a hotel overseas or relaxed at home.

Just as medical and dental appointments are a priority, so are therapy appointments. Many employers recognise this and provide employees with time off during the day for a counselling session. Allowing staff to leave a bit early or start a bit later, giving them a quiet and private space to message their counsellor, via IM, has become very popular. 

Our clients who have hearing difficulties and those who are housebound have found instant chat messenger counselling to be convenient. If you are shy or experience increased anxiety, during face to face and telephone appointments, you may prefer instant text messenger sessions. Email Counselling is also very convenient as you control when you have your session. You can submit emails at any time, no need to book appointments. To use our email counselling service instead, click here

The benefits of counselling via Instant Text Messenger

• Available worldwide, 7 days a week.
• You can type a question or comment and receive instant responses.
• Save a copy of your session to review later.
• Can suit you if you prefer not to speak face to face or via the phone.
• Access from home, work or overseas.
• You only need an internet connection and a messenger ID to chat.
• You may be housebound, caring for small children/elderly parents or unable to spend time away from home.
• Gives you access to the service even when you're on the go.
• We work towards climate change by eliminating the need to travel for a session. This contributes to reducing burning fuels that increase global warming. 
• Allows expatriates to communicate with British Counsellors while overseas.
• Culturally sensitive therapy and counselling for students available.
• A 4 year John Hopkins University study of close to 100,000 veterans, showed that the number of days that patients were hospitalised dropped by 25% if they chose Online Therapy. These results were slightly better than the number of hospital visits experienced by patients who used face to face counselling.
• Learn more about the benefits of online counselling shared by Sarah Fader, Author, Mental Health Advocate and Founder of Stigma Fighters. Sarah has also been featured in Psychology Today and The Huffington Post.
• Read our Reviews and Testimonials.

What do I need to have for an Instant Messenger Therapy session?

You have the choice of using a computer, laptop, mobile phone or tablet for your session. To use the service you'll also need a valid Skype I.D or WhatsApp number. The Online Counselling Service aims to make your experience as comfortable as possible. We make it a point to have text sessions via instant messengers that you're familiar with. We use Skype and WhatsApp as they help Instant Chat Counselling to be secure, they are both encrypted.

If I don't use apps or have limited internet access, can I have a session via SMS phone text?

We understand that some clients may not have stable access to wifi or data, some may not be as familiar with smart phone apps. We still want to help. You can have instant messenger sessions via regular phone texting. The speed via this form of messaging may be influenced by the handset used, the network provider and mobile phone reception. You also have the option to have Telephone Counselling via voice calls.

Instant Messenger Counselling Fees and Instructions - 3 quick steps

1. Select and pay
Choose whether you would like a single session or discount package, you can select a week day or weekend slot package. Click on a button below and pay securely via debit, credit card or PayPal account. Contact us if you wish to pay via online/telephone bank transfer.
2. Submit information
Within 3 days, email us brief details of what you wish to text about in your session. This could be up to a couple of sentences about your area of concern, as well as the type and duration of support needed. Please include your Skype ID/WhatsApp number, a wide range of your day to day availability and preferred dates/time range for your session. The wider the better.
3. Receive reply
You'll be contacted by your Counsellor via email, as soon as possible, to confirm the time to meet online or alternative availability will be provided for you to choose from. Please check your spam/junk folder.
Have your session
Your Counsellor will initiate an instant messenger text chat with you at the agreed date and time. We believe in strengthening the counselling bond, you will be supported by the same Counsellor throughout your time with us. This will also save you from having to repeat your story. Instant Messenger sessions are 45 minutes long.

How many Instant Chat counselling sessions should I book?
According to therapeutic guidelines and good practice, Counselling is most beneficial with a minimum of 6 - 15 sessions. However, some clients may require mid term support which lasts for 4 months - 1 year or long term psychotherapeutic support for up to 2 years.
Most of our new clients follow the suggested minimum amount and initially book 6 Skype Messenger or WhatsApp Text Counselling sessions and save 10%.

Instant Messenger Counselling Fees

1 Instant Messenger session
Monday to Friday slot £50

1 Instant Messenger session
Saturday or Sunday slot £70

 

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  3 Instant Messenger sessions
Monday to Friday slots £143 (save 5%)

  3 Instant Messenger sessions
Saturday or Sunday slots £210

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6 Instant Messenger sessions
Monday to Friday slots £270 (save 10%)

6 Instant Messenger sessions
Saturday or Sunday slots £420

_________  

9 Instant Messenger sessions
Monday to Friday slots £383 (save 15%)

9 Instant Messenger sessions
Saturday or Sunday slots £630 

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12 Instant Messenger sessions
Monday to Friday slots £480 (save 20%) 

 12 Instant Messenger sessions
Saturday or Sunday slots £840 

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15 Instant Messenger sessions
Monday to Friday slots £563 (save 25%)  

15 Instant Messenger sessions
Saturday or Sunday slots £1,050

  

Discount bundles of 3-9 sessions are valid for 60 days. The 12 session instant chat counselling bundle is valid for 90 days and the 15 session bundle is valid for an extended period of 120 days.